In this photo released by the Imperial Household Agency, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, left, walks with Japan's Emperor Akihito for a meeting at Imperial Palace in Tokyo Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2006. Aliyev is on a four-day visit to Japan

PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV’S OFFICIAL VISIT TO JAPAN ONE-ON-ONE MEETING OF PRESIDENT ILHAM ALIYEV AND EMPEROR OF JAPAN AKIHITO
.........................Highly appraising official visit of the Azerbaijani President to Japan, His Majesty Akihito said development of bilateral relations would be useful for both sides. Touching upon the historical friendly links between two peoples, the Emperor said Japan is deeply interested in strengthening of relations with Azerbaijan. He reminded with pleasure the visit of the nationwide leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev to Japan in February 1998, shared his impressions of the past meetings. His majesty Akihito said just thanks to efforts and resoluteness of Heydar Aliyev, successful reforms led Azerbaijan to the world’s developed counties and that policy today have yielded its fruits.......................... http://www.azertag.com/en/index.shtm...onth=&news_day=

March 8, 2006.
#1-3: Photos from State Telegraph agency of the Republic of Azerbaijani
#4: Profimedia

Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan to Visit Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand

January 27, 2006
His Excellency the President of the Republic of Singapore has, taking account of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in the year 2006, extended an invitation to Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan to visit his country. Through a letter of His Excellency the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Thailand, the Government of Thailand has asked the presence of Their Majesties at the 60th Anniversary of the Accession to the Throne of His Majesty the King of Thailand.
In view of the friendly relations existing between Japan and these two countries, the Government of Japan has advised Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress to pay state visits, and Their Majesties have accepted the invitations.
In addition to these two countries, Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress will also officially visit Malaysia. The Emperor and Empress last undertook a state visit to Malaysia in 1991.
The itinerary of the visits will be finalized after consultations with the Governments of those countries. Their Majesties are scheduled to leave Tokyo on June 8, 2006, and the duration of the visit will be about a week.

Statement by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi On Their Majesties' Visit to Asian Countries

January 27, 2006
I am pleased to announce that Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress will pay a state visit to the Republic of Singapore and to the Kingdom of Thailand. In addition to these countries, Their Majesties will also officially visit Malaysia.
Japan has enjoyed longtime intimate friendly relations with these countries. The Republic of Singapore has requested Their Majesties' State Visit for some time. This year is a memorable year for Japan and Singapore, celebrating the fortieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The Kingdom of Thailand, based upon the long-established close relationship between the Imperial Family and the Thai Royal Family, has requested the presence of Their Majesties at this year's Sixtieth Anniversary Celebrations of the Accession to the Throne of His Majesty the King Bhumibol.
Their Majesties have also been invited to Malaysia by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin who visited Japan last year as a State Guest.
I am confident that the visit will further strengthen Japan's cordial relations with these counties and I join the nation in sharing the delight.
I would like to express my sincere hope for Their Majesties' pleasant journey and safe return home.

Photos from Kunaicho website of the Emperor and Empress at various engagements in March.

#1-4: Miyake Island visit on March 7
#5: March 8-with the Azerbaijani President
#6: March 9-with an official from France
#7: March 16- Emperor and Prince Akishino having a luncheon with Malawian President Bingu Wa Mutharika

Mr. Miyeegombyn Enkhbold, Prime Minister of Mongolia, and his wife, accompanied by a suite, will visit Japan from March 26 (Sun) to 30 (Thu) at the invitation of the Government of Japan.

During his stay, Prime Minister Enkhbold will be received by Their Majesties The Emperor and Empress of Japan and will meet with Mr. Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister of Japan, to hold a summit meeting. Mr. Enkhbold will also attend the final day of the Spring Sumo Tournament in Osaka and present the Trophy of Prime Minister of Mongolia to the top-division wrestler wins the tournament.

Mr. Enkhbold assumed the post of prime minister in January this year, and the upcoming visit will be his first overseas visit as prime minister.

This year marks the 800th Anniversary of the Birth of Great Mongolia (counted from 1206, the year in which Genghis Khan came to power), and the Governments of Japan and Mongolia agreed that this year would be the Year of Mongolia in Japan and next year, the Year of Japan in Mongolia.

From March 22 (Wed) to 25 (Sat), Dr. Mari Bim Amude Alkatiri, Prime Minister and Minister for Natural Resources, Minerals and Energy Policy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, will visit Japan at the invitation of the Government of Japan.

During his stay in Japan, Prime Minister Alkatiri will be received in audience by His Majesty The Emperor of Japan. Prime Minister Alkatiri will also have talks with Mr. Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister of Japan, and other senior government officials for a wide-ranging exchange of views on such issues as Japan-Timor-Leste bilateral relations, future assistance for Timor-Leste and UN Reform. He will also deliver a keynote speech at a Symposium entitled "Japan and Consolidation of Peace in East Timor" co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Takushoku University.

Prime Minister Alkatiri's visit will be the first since he assumed his post as Prime Minister in May 2002. It is expected that this visit will further strengthen the friendly and cooperative relationship between Japan-Timor-Leste.

Empress attends literary gathering Mar. 25 TOKYO, JapanEmpress Michiko is greeted by people as she attends a gathering held in Tokyo on March 25 in memory of Aro Naito, who translated Antoine de Saint-Exupery's Le Petit Prince.

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited the Hayama Imperial Villa in Kanagawa Prefecture on March 26, 2006. They are going to spent their vacation from 26th-29th of March at the Villa. Below are the photos of them taking a walk at the beach near their villa on March 26.

Visit to Japan of His Excellency Mr. Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon and Mrs. Biya (Announcement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

March 28, 2006
His Excellency Mr. Paul Biya, President of the Republic of Cameroon, and Mrs. Biya, accompanied by a suite, will pay an official working visit to Japan from April 16 to 20, 2006.During their stay in Japan, the President and Mrs. Biya will make a State Call on Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan, and Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress will host a Court Luncheon in honor of the President and Mrs. Biya.
The President will also hold a meeting with Mr. Junichiro Koizumi, Prime Minister of Japan.
The Government of Japan sincerely welcomes the visit of the President and Mrs. Biya, which will further strengthen the friendly relations between Japan and the Republic of Cameroon.

Photos from Kunaicho website
#1: Meeting an government official from Bulgaria on March 22, 2006
#2: Meeting with the Prime Minister of East Timor on March 24, 2006.
#3-4: March 31, 2006.-Ceremony of the Presentation of CredentialsA newly appointed foreign ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary presents his/her credentials to His Majesty the Emperor. The Minister for Foreign Affairs or another Minister of State must be present.
A horse-drawn carriage or automobile owned by the Imperial Household may be provided to the Ambassador and his/her party for transportation to and from the Imperial Palace according to the Ambassador's wishes.
#3: Ambassador from Bosnia
#4: Ambassador from Uganda

Cameroun First Lady Chantal Biya shakes hands with Japanese Empress Michiko, while Cameroun President Paul Biya and Emperor Akihito smile upon their arrival at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo for their luncheon 18 April 2006.

meaning no disrespect, but is this lady for real with that hair? And I'm asking this question in all seriousness!!!
She is the first lady of a country? Looking like that??? Of course the Emperor and Empress "smiled" upon thier arrival! They did not know what to expect and then to have "that" show up! I would smile to, not to mention hard pressed not to LOL! I would think it a joke of some sort. Poor lady.

Article from HELLO
...............The Far Eastern royal, a picture of understated elegance in a beige kimono, offered a warm welcome to her African guest when she arrived in Tokyo on Tuesday. President Paul Biya's wife cut a striking figure - with a vibrant aqua-marine suit to offsetting her voluminous burgundy hairstyle - as she made her entrance at the Imperial Palace. The two women's husbands, who are eager to strengthen economic ties between their countries, meanwhile stuck to rather more traditional attire, each wearing sober blue suits................http://www.hellomagazine.com/royalty...mpressmichiko/